Chapter 14 - Electrical Safety Flashcards
Electrical currents
move from high voltage to low voltage
voltage
describes the total amount of electrical force (energy) that drives the current between the two points- measured in volts
current (I)
flow of electric charge or the rate of flow of electric charge - measured in amperes (A)
Resistance
measure of the opposition to the flow of steady electrical current. Resistance (R) is measured in ohms (omega symbol)
Series Circuits
Components are connected in series along a single path, so the same current flows through all of the components.
Parallel Circuits
Electrical current to each element in the circuit is separate, so if one element was to burn out, the other resistors would still have power.
If you add an element, the other elements will still have the same amount of voltage as before. Same with removal.
Direct Current (DC)
unidirectional flow of an electric charge.
Current flows through the circuit in the same direction al all times
Alternating currents (AC)
Flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction.
Current flow passes through a regular succession of changing positive and negative values by periodically reversing its direction of flow.
Total positive and negative values of current are equal
Resistors
Elements of electrical and electronic systems that are designed to intentionally resist the flow of electrical current through the system at a known measurement
The higher the value of resistance, the lower the current will be
The primary characteristics of a resistor
the resistance, the tolerance, the maximum working voltage, and the power rating
Capacitators
passive electronic component consisting of a pair of conductors separated by a dielectric (insulator). When potential difference exists, an electric field is present, stores the energy, and produces a mechanical force between the conductors. Values measured in Farads (F).
Inductor or Reactor
Passive electrical component that can store energy in a magnetic field created by the electric current passing through. Measured in Henries. Typically a wire shaped as a coil helps to created strong magnetic field.. Used in electronics where current and voltage change with time.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Electrical current passes through the body.
Electrical Shock situations
Two wires with different voltages- body in between. Electrical components not properly grounded. Moisture (sweat, pools of water) increase risk.
Severity of injury from electrical shock depends on
Amount of current and length of time current passes throughout the body.
